Which do good universities like best? (GCSEs/A-Levels)

If someone got all good grades at GCSEs (as in something like 2 A*s, 5 As, and 4 Bs) but only got ABB (or BBB) at A-level.

And someone else got okay grades at GCSEs (as in something like 6 Bs, and 4 Cs) but got AAA (or AAB) at A-level.

Which would good universities prefer?
Thanks. n_n

And sorry about the forum, I really wasn't sure which to put it in since it's a mixed GCSE and A-Level question.

Reply 1

TheBBQ

21

Original post by noxxie013

If someone got all good grades at GCSEs (as in something like 2 A*s, 5 As, and 4 Bs) but only got ABB (or BBB) at A-level.

And someone else got okay grades at GCSEs (as in something like 6 Bs, and 4 Cs) but got AAA (or AAB) at A-level.

Which would good universities prefer?
Thanks. n_n

And sorry about the forum, I really wasn't sure which to put it in since it's a mixed GCSE and A-Level question.

In general, it's A-level results that matters the most. For some courses (medicine, dentistry etc) and some universities (Oxford and a few others) GCSEs can be very important.

Reply 2

Faith_

Depends on the university and the course. I'd imagine most would prefer you to have good A Level results. GCSE results are only really taken into account for Oxbridge and/or Medicine.

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Reply 3

noxxie013

OP

1

Original post by Faith_

Depends on the university and the course. I'd imagine most would prefer you to have good A Level results. GCSE results are only really taken into account for Oxbridge and/or Medicine.

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Do other Russell Group universities regard GCSE grades as important as Oxbridge does?

Reply 4

Faith_

Original post by noxxie013

Do other Russell Group universities regard GCSE grades as important as Oxbridge does?

Not really, unless you're planning to study Dentistry or Medicine etc. What GCSE grades have you achieved? Or what are your predictions?

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Reply 5

noxxie013

OP

1

Original post by Faith_

Not really, unless you're planning to study Dentistry or Medicine etc. What GCSE grades have you achieved? Or what are your predictions?

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I have got;
English Language B
English Literature C (re-doing this one and will hopefully get a B or above)
Maths B
Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics triple award) C C C (debating on re-doing)
Business Studies C
Graphic Design B
Religious Studies B
History E (re-doing this one currently and will hopefully get a B or above)
German D

I had to take a year out before college due to personal reasons, but I am going this year in September. I think I'll be taking Ancient History, Archaeology, Maths and another subject I haven't decided on (possible Philosophy, English Literature, a Science or another history subject).

Reply 6

Mike_123

18

Original post by noxxie013

If someone got all good grades at GCSEs (as in something like 2 A*s, 5 As, and 4 Bs) but only got ABB (or BBB) at A-level.

And someone else got okay grades at GCSEs (as in something like 6 Bs, and 4 Cs) but got AAA (or AAB) at A-level.

Which would good universities prefer?
Thanks. n_n

And sorry about the forum, I really wasn't sure which to put it in since it's a mixed GCSE and A-Level question.

From my knowledge, some unis do care about GCSEs, such as LSE, ICL, UCL, Warwick, Oxford.

Reply 7

username1042689

21

A levels, definitely.

But GCSEs still play a part.

Reply 8

Faith_

Original post by noxxie013

I have got;
English Language B
English Literature C (re-doing this one and will hopefully get a B or above)
Maths B
Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics triple award) C C C (debating on re-doing)
Business Studies C
Graphic Design B
Religious Studies B
History E (re-doing this one currently and will hopefully get a B or above)
German D

I had to take a year out before college due to personal reasons, but I am going this year in September. I think I'll be taking Ancient History, Archaeology, Maths and another subject I haven't decided on (possible Philosophy, English Literature, a Science or another history subject).

I think you'll be fine seeing as you have mostly B grades or are aspiring to get them. Work really hard in your A Level years, there's no reason why you can't get A/B grades at AS! Good luck with your subject choices!

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Reply 9

ParetoOptimum

11

Original post by Faith_

Depends on the university and the course. I'd imagine most would prefer you to have good A Level results. GCSE results are only really taken into account for Oxbridge and/or Medicine.

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Not sure if cereal.

Every university of decent standing will take GCSE's into account, especially for popular courses where differentiating between applicants becomes harder.

In fact, for the top uni's that might not interview for some courses (e.g. LSE doesn't interview at all), GCSE's matter hugely. More so than Oxbridge, as they interview as well.

Reply 10

Old_Simon

12

Unis do try and make allowances for late developers, different attitudes, and better teaching at A level. They are like race horse owners. They love an "improver". Really you need top GCSEs and Top As too !!!!